NAIROBI, Kenya, Sept 11 – At least 3.5 million Kenyans are employed in the tourism sector, with the majority being young people under 35 years, Tourism and Wildlife Cabinet Secretary Rebecca Miano has said.
Speaking on Capital FM’s Morning Radio Show, Miano said the industry remains a key driver of youth employment, noting that 80 percent of workers in tourism and hospitality fall within the youth bracket.
“Tourism is much more than just going to see wildlife. It is a creator of jobs. We have more than 3.5 million youth working in the sector,” she said.
Kenya’s youth unemployment rate stands at about 12 percent, according to the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics (KNBS), with those aged 20–24 the most affected.
Data from the Tourism Research Institute (TRI) shows international arrivals grew to 2.4 million in 2024, up from 2.1 million in 2023. Earnings rose to Sh452.2 billion compared to Sh377.5 billion the previous year.
The institute attributed the growth to the rollout of the Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA), aggressive marketing campaigns, diversification of tourism products, and the adoption of digital platforms such as smart booking systems and targeted promotions.
New scheduled flights by Air Asia, Air Dubai, and the relaunch of Brussels Airlines also boosted arrivals during the period.
